32 & Figuring Out What I Want To Do!

I am new here & originally worked as an Office Manager, then I opened an in-home daycare to be home with my two kids. I've realized that I do not want to do daycare forever, but I don't want to go back to the 9 to 5 grind of sitting in an office wondering how "this work" really matters in the world!
My youngest child will be starting school in 3 or 4 years & I decided I don't want to wait until then to start investing in my future (I'm already 32)....So I signed up for (1) on-line pre-req class & started my 1st college class a week after my oldest child started Kindergarten! I will be finished with my first class in about 6 weeks & am soooo thankful I've started my journey!
I've always had an interest in nursing, but the "fear" & lack of self-confidence that I could actually be a nurse was always greater! I do know that I would have had a harder time doing this when I was younger & before I had kids! Being a MOM, I know the importance of having compassionate nurses/doctors/teachers....
My heart-strings are pointing toward NICU or Pediatric Oncology....I know these two areas would be sooooo hard, but also soooo rewarding! I just want to be able to love on the kids, treat their illness for them in a compassionate manner & offer support for their families!
I also have an interest in Labor & Delivery. I'm drawn to this area due to the fact that the birth of my 2 kids was soooo wonderful!!!! I'd love to be able to be there to make each families birth experience the greatest it can be!
Now - I still have fears....such as can I keep from crying?
I also fear having to do Geriatrics & other adult patients (other than L&D)....The uneasiness all starts coming back just "thinking" about it!!
Well....it'll be at least 5 or 6 years before I am an RN, but I know it will all be worth it! I'm looking forward to caring for patients & having flexibility to still be able to be with my kids for their big events in their lives!
Glad to be here & looking forward to getting to know you all!!

I have found everyone here to be very helpful and understanding (for the most part).

Like you and I, there are a lot of 30-somethings turning to nursing as a second career here, and we are all in the same boat: juggling a home, kids, maybe a spouse....

Good luck and hang in there!

Nov 1, '06

Hi & welcome to Allnurses! I experienced and believed that fear and no confidence in myself for years and years (and years)....I got accepted to nursing school at age 49, graduated this past May at 53 YO, passed my NCLEX and enjoying my rewards! Don't believe in that fear and keep going forward. You can do it and it is ever-so rewarding! Best wishes.

Nov 1, '06

Welcome to Allnurses. I hope that we can be of help throughout your journey to become a nurse and beyond.